Don't forget to watch U.S. team's 2014 World Cup debut

The U.S. team plays tonight, and NEPA bars hope to gin up some fan interest.

More than 3,000 miles from Scranton, in a stadium on Brazil’s eastern seaboard, men clad in red, white and blue jerseys will make their 2014 FIFA World Cup debut tonight against the African nation that eliminated them from the last two.

With interest in professional soccer growing nationwide, enthusiasts expect Americans to huddle around televisions to watch the national team play Ghana in its opener at 6 p.m. Bars across Northeast Pennsylvania, including Ale Mary’s in Scranton, Damon’s Grill in South Abington Twp. and Dooley’s Pub and Eatery in Old Forge, expect big crowds to come watch the game.

“I think it will be very well viewed and pull a lot of people out, including longtime fans or brand new ones who support the team,” said E.T. Hunter, owner of Soccer Plus in Clarks Summit. “It’s kind of like the Olympics, because there are seasonal fans for the World Cup.”

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.